Train project - The Layout

What type of layout to build?

When building a train layout, there are several factors to consider:

• The scale of the layout (OO, N, TT)
• The amount of space available for the layout
• The complexity of the track design
• The type of running railway use you want to model
• The theme or setting (e.g., a specific era or location)

For my layout, I have got a reasonable amount of space to work with, so I am planning on building a layout in OO gauge. I also have a few older trains in OO gauge, so it makes sense to build a layout in that scale.

The next big question for me was what type of layout to build. I have been looking at a few different options, either an oval layout to allow for continuous running, or a shuntting layout to allow for more detailed modeling.

At this time I spent a lot of time looking at different track plans and trying to decide which one would be best for me. Wymann's Shunting Puzzles was a great resource for me to look at different shunting layouts and talks in detail about a few types of puzzel including the Inglehook and timesaver.

In the end I decided it would be good if I could have both. A continuous loop would allow me to get my larger trains running at speed, and run station to station passenger trains, and a shunting section would keep the long term interest and satisfaction.

I played with this concept for a while, and worked out I could fit the inklehook inside the oval, using the oval as the headshunt for the shunting puzzle.

The area in blue creates would create the timesaver layout, and the green section would be my station area. I could even add a second station on the outside of the loop on the right side if I wanted.

In the end I had to make some changes to this, the inner blue corner on the right would have to be R1 curves that would be to tight for many modern locos, and it made the run around loop very long, removing some of the challenge of the puzzle. I also measured up and realised I had space to add an extra siding on the outside of the loop.

This was the 8th version of the layout, each with small changes from the previous one. The green sections will be the stations, the dark blue is the inglehook puzzle, and all of the blues makes the timesaver puzzle. I feel that this will also give me plenty of space to add a platform, and engine shed and a few other bits that will bring the layout to life.

You will also notice in this version the addition of a set of points in the station in the middle of the loop. This is to allow for more prototypical operation with steam trains, which would detach from the carriages at the end of the line, and move round to attach at the other end. Often in the real world they would use a track triangle (sometimes called a wye) or a turn table to turn round as well, however I have opted not to do this to save space.

The next step is to get the track laid down, and start running some trains to see if I am happy with it before I make anything to permanent.

Check back soon for updates on the layout, and the next steps in the project here.